Jo Pearcy

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Jo Anne Pearcy, age 94 of Pineville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Oak Pointe of Neosho, Missouri.

Jo was born to the late, Joe and Ruth (Woody) Maritt on August 30, 1928 in Coffeyville, Kansas. 

She married the love of her life, Rayburn Pearcy on March 28, 1948 in Seminole, Oklahoma. 

She taught school for 36 years, teaching a variety of subjects to all grades in California, Pineville, McDonald County High School, and was the Principal of White Rock, where she retired to care for her husband, Ray. Jo was devoted to her students and loved teaching. 

Following retirement, Jo began writing children’s books and became a self-taught artist and illustrator, publishing several books. She was also an accomplished painter, leaving several cherished paintings to her family and friends. 

 She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Pineville. Jo was currently attending the Grace Life Church in Anderson. She was a member of the McDonald County Historical Society and was instrumental in preventing the Old Courthouse from being torn down. Jo loved people and could always find the best in them.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rayburn Pearcy; a sister, Jeanne Freeman and a great granddaughter, Madison Lynn Gilgen.

Jo is survived by her children, David Pearcy (Lynn) of Anderson, Missouri, Bill Pearcy (Mindy) of Wyandotte, Oklahoma, Linda Jefferson and Judy Rickett, both of Anderson, Missouri; a sister, Sue Tidwell (Mel) of Pineville, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Dee Ann Gilgen, Wendy Cooper, Jodi Bethel, Jack Rickett, Becca Bender, Julie Burroughs, Drew Pearcy, Taylor Guy and Raye Pearcy; great grandchildren, Whitneigh Roark Guenther, Katelynn Gilgen, Devin Mathews, McKenzie Mathews McAdams, Jordan Tallman, Clayton Hosier, Bailey Rickett Corcoran, Gatlin Bender, Emily Bender, Molly Bender, Elijah Pearcy, Bryson Pearcy and Greyson Guy; great-great grandchildren, Jenna Guenther, Hunter Guenther, Garrison Dawdy, Rhett Mathews, Wade Mathews, Tucker McAdams and Khalia McAdams; as well as a host of other family and friends who will dearly miss her.

Funeral service for Jo will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Life Church in Anderson, Missouri. Pastor Cecil Hall and Marilyn O’Brien will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be given to the McDonald County Historical Society in care of the funeral home.